South Africa are likely to unleash two of the most feared players in the world, wing Bryan Habana and flank Schalk Burger, on Argentina in the one-off Mandela Challenge Test in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Springbok coach Peter de Villiers revealed on Monday that both Habana, the International Rugby Board (IRB) Player of the Year, and Burger, IRB Player of the Year in 2004, are on course to return to action this week.

De Villiers will announce his matchday 22 on Tuesday, with both expected to be named in the starting XV.

Burger, who sustained a whiplash injury in the 9-16 loss against the Wallabies in Perth last month, has been on progressive rehabilitation and will commence training this week with the team where his progress will be monitored.

"If all goes well then he will be available for selection," Andy Marinos, the Manager of National Teams, said.

Habana suffered an aggravation of his AC joint from the Test in Perth. He has not been involved in any contact sessions since the squad reassembled last week. However, the flying wing will progress into contact this week, where the medical and conditioning staff will monitor him.

"The expectation is that he should be ready for team selection for the weekend," Marinos said.

Another player make good progress and back in the selection frame is loose forward Joe van Niekerk, who has some calf stiffness following the intense training sessions of last week. However, he will resume full training on Tuesday.

* Meanwhile flyhalf Peter Grant's shoulder surgery went well last week and this will now be followed by a six — to eight-week rehabilitation process.

Loose forward Ryan Kankowski sustained a Grade two sprain to his left sterno clavicular joint and is undergoing rehabilitation with the Sharks medical team. It is hoped that Kankowski will be able to start playing in two to three weeks.

John Smit, now three weeks post his groin surgery, is recovering well. He will continue his rehabilitation with muscle activation commencing this week and plans are for him to be fit for the year-end tour to the United Kingdom.

Players who had not travelled to Australasia as a result of injury, Jaque Fourie and Fourie du Preez, have come through their first week with the Springboks well and De Villiers was confident that they could contribute immediately.

The Springboks on Monday visited former South African President Nelson Mandela in Houghton who wished them well.

"It is always a privilege to be invited by him," said De Villiers.

Marinos on behalf of the Springboks congratulated the Proteas on their series win over England and wished the Olympic team well for the Beijing Games.

365

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook